If you crave for a deep breath of sea air, a mild climate and the natural quiet life of the seashore, this cycling holiday is for you. “Ile de Ré” and “Ile d’Oléron” welcome you on their paths edged with hollyhocks, across exceptional natural reserves or on the coastline. The cycling tour starts in La Rochelle and winds from an island to the other passing through Rochefort-sur-mer and Marennes. The very last stretch is on a boat to let you admire from a completely different perspective the coast and the 2 medieval towers protecting the old harbor of La Rochelle.

DAY 1

La Rochelle

La Rochelle

La Rochelle prosperous past can be easily noticed thanks to its nice architecture from which the old fortified harbor is remarkable.

The city offers a wide range of cultural and touristic activities. Do not miss La Rochelle aquarium. The city is very well equipped with cycling paths, which makes it perfect for discovering it on a bicycle.

Visit of the Towers of the Old Port of La Rochelle 2h

9,00 € / adult

DAY 2

La Rochelle – Le Bois-Plage

Bike

27km

La Rochelle – Le Bois-Plage

Bike

27km

Facing La Rochelle, Ile de Ré is just a few pedal strokes away. You ride on the cycling paths along the coast to the bridge of Ile de Ré. You continue along the coast to La Flotte then through the vineyards to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

DAY 3

Suggested day trip : through the swamps of Loix or Ars-en-Ré

Bike

28/38km

Suggested day trip : through the swamps of Loix or Ars-en-Ré

Bike

28/38km

You start by riding through Saint-Martin-de-Ré where you can admire the Vauban citadel. Then, you continue along the coast to the delightful fishing village of Loix before riding back to Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

You can extend the day trip to Ars-en-Ré, listed among the most beautiful villages of France.

Suggested day trip : the big tour of Ile de Ré

Bike

60km

Suggested day trip : the big tour of Ile de Ré

Bike

60km

This day trip for the most courageous leads first to Saint-Martin-de-Ré and then to the end of the island: the Portes-en-Ré. Then, you ride through the pine forest to the famous lighthouse of Ile de Ré: the lighthouse of whales before riding back to Le Bois-Plage.

DAY 4

Le Bois-Plage – La Rochelle

Bike

29km

Le Bois-Plage – La Rochelle

Bike

29km

You discover the coast with the fine-sand beaches and the delightful village of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré before taking back the bridge to La Rochelle.

DAY 5

La Rochelle – Rochefort-sur-mer

Bike

42km

La Rochelle – Rochefort-sur-mer

Bike

42km

Begin by riding on the seaside cycling path through small villages such as Les Boucholeurs or Chatelaillon-Plage. As you pedal along the marshes, try and spy the birds, herons and storks in the area.

When you reach Rochefort, notice the distinct naval architecture. The city was an active naval base from the time of Louis XIV until 1926. You might want to tour the Corderie Royal, an interesting rope factory where all the ropes for military sailboats were made. Enjoy flowers? The Conservatoire du Begonia houses the world’s largest collection of begonias!

DAY 6

Rochefort-sur-Mer - Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

47km

Rochefort-sur-Mer - Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

47km

Start the day by admiring France’s last transporter bridge. Classified as a national monument, the bridge gets walkers, runners and bikers cross the river safely. A moveable section of the bridge carries a segment of the roadway across a river. It is currently under construction, so you’ll take a ferry to cross the river.
Meander on the bike path along the marsh area. Originally this marsh was covered with water, making it a valuable site for the salt trade. The city of Brouage was built in the 16th century as a fortified port. The sea receded but part of Brouage remained. Explore the over 2km hike on the ramparts as well the many buildings still towering over the marsh.
The route continues through the marshes of the estuary to the island of Oleron. From the bridge you’ll see the magnificent silhouette of Fort Boyard. End your day with a delicious bowl of Marennes oyster. These oysters grow in oysters beds all their life, so they are less bitter than oysters caught in the sea.

DAY 7

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

39km

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

39km

Today is designed for relaxation and fun. Don’t miss enjoying beautiful Gatseau beach, hidden behind a pine forest. It is accessible only by walking, biking or taking a small train but worth the extra effort!

If you like, take a day bike trip and discover the island of Oleron with its quaint villages, oyster ports and of course, beaches and forests.

DAY 8

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains - La Rochelle

Bike

25km

Boat ride between Boyardville and La Rochelle (Be careful there are only 2 crossings per day!)

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains - La Rochelle

Bike

25km

Boat ride between Boyardville and La Rochelle (Be careful there are only 2 crossings per day!)

Begin the day with a short ride to Boyardville, where you can fish, shop or look at the oyster farms. You could even try to surf! From here, take a boat ride back to La Rochelle. This small cruise lets you admire the coastline without pedaling. Keep you eyes open to see Fort Boyard, visible on clear days.

DAY 9

Departure from La Rochelle

Departure from La Rochelle

Category A

You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.

* Example of the type of accommodation

Category B

You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 3-star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!

We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.

Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

Luggage

Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :

We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.

Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.

We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.

GPS tracks

For this trip, we also provide the GPS tracks on demand in the .gpx format at no extra cost.

Travel documents

A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy peacefully the itinerary and its interesting sites.
You will have in your travel documents :

a detailed map (A4 format) of the itinerary that we drew at the easiest scale to follow for a bicycle rider

a step-by-step description of the itinerary (bound A5 format) giving the direction to follow at each intersection

a tourist leaflet containing a brief presentation and useful practical information (opening time, price, contact) about the points of interest along the way

By train:TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse (direct or with a connection in Poitiers). The duration of the trip is estimated between 3h15 and
3h45. Inter-regional trains from Bordeaux and Nantes. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.

Parking

If you drive to La Rochelle, you can park your car in a secure car park located in the city center, near your accommodation. The weekly rate is 50€. All details will be given in your travel
documents.

Meeting time:

The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon
depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.

If you crave for a deep breath of sea air, a mild climate and the natural quiet life of the seashore, this cycling holiday is for you. “Ile de Ré” and “Ile d’Oléron” welcome you on their paths edged with hollyhocks, across exceptional natural reserves or on the coastline. The cycling tour starts in La Rochelle and winds from an island to the other passing through Rochefort-sur-mer and Marennes. The very last stretch is on a boat to let you admire from a completely different perspective the coast and the 2 medieval towers protecting the old harbor of La Rochelle.

DAY 1

La Rochelle

La Rochelle

La Rochelle prosperous past can be easily noticed thanks to its nice architecture from which the old fortified harbor is remarkable.

The city offers a wide range of cultural and touristic activities. Do not miss La Rochelle aquarium. The city is very well equipped with cycling paths, which makes it perfect for discovering it on a bicycle.

Visit of the Towers of the Old Port of La Rochelle 2h

9,00 € / adult

DAY 2

La Rochelle – Le Bois-Plage

Bike

27km

La Rochelle – Le Bois-Plage

Bike

27km

Facing La Rochelle, Ile de Ré is just a few pedal strokes away. You ride on the cycling paths along the coast to the bridge of Ile de Ré. You continue along the coast to La Flotte then through the vineyards to Le Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

DAY 3

Suggested day trip : through the swamps of Loix or Ars-en-Ré

Bike

28/38km

Suggested day trip : through the swamps of Loix or Ars-en-Ré

Bike

28/38km

You start by riding through Saint-Martin-de-Ré where you can admire the Vauban citadel. Then, you continue along the coast to the delightful fishing village of Loix before riding back to Bois-Plage-en-Ré.

You can extend the day trip to Ars-en-Ré, listed among the most beautiful villages of France.

Suggested day trip : the big tour of Ile de Ré

Bike

60km

Suggested day trip : the big tour of Ile de Ré

Bike

60km

This day trip for the most courageous leads first to Saint-Martin-de-Ré and then to the end of the island: the Portes-en-Ré. Then, you ride through the pine forest to the famous lighthouse of Ile de Ré: the lighthouse of whales before riding back to Le Bois-Plage.

DAY 4

Le Bois-Plage – La Rochelle

Bike

29km

Le Bois-Plage – La Rochelle

Bike

29km

You discover the coast with the fine-sand beaches and the delightful village of Sainte-Marie-de-Ré before taking back the bridge to La Rochelle.

DAY 5

La Rochelle – Rochefort-sur-mer

Bike

42km

La Rochelle – Rochefort-sur-mer

Bike

42km

Begin by riding on the seaside cycling path through small villages such as Les Boucholeurs or Chatelaillon-Plage. As you pedal along the marshes, try and spy the birds, herons and storks in the area.

When you reach Rochefort, notice the distinct naval architecture. The city was an active naval base from the time of Louis XIV until 1926. You might want to tour the Corderie Royal, an interesting rope factory where all the ropes for military sailboats were made. Enjoy flowers? The Conservatoire du Begonia houses the world’s largest collection of begonias!

DAY 6

Rochefort-sur-Mer - Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

47km

Rochefort-sur-Mer - Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

47km

Start the day by admiring France’s last transporter bridge. Classified as a national monument, the bridge gets walkers, runners and bikers cross the river safely. A moveable section of the bridge carries a segment of the roadway across a river. It is currently under construction, so you’ll take a ferry to cross the river.
Meander on the bike path along the marsh area. Originally this marsh was covered with water, making it a valuable site for the salt trade. The city of Brouage was built in the 16th century as a fortified port. The sea receded but part of Brouage remained. Explore the over 2km hike on the ramparts as well the many buildings still towering over the marsh.
The route continues through the marshes of the estuary to the island of Oleron. From the bridge you’ll see the magnificent silhouette of Fort Boyard. End your day with a delicious bowl of Marennes oyster. These oysters grow in oysters beds all their life, so they are less bitter than oysters caught in the sea.

DAY 7

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

39km

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains

Bike

39km

Today is designed for relaxation and fun. Don’t miss enjoying beautiful Gatseau beach, hidden behind a pine forest. It is accessible only by walking, biking or taking a small train but worth the extra effort!

If you like, take a day bike trip and discover the island of Oleron with its quaint villages, oyster ports and of course, beaches and forests.

DAY 8

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains - La Rochelle

Bike

25km

Boat ride between Boyardville and La Rochelle (Be careful there are only 2 crossings per day!)

Saint-Trojan-les-Bains - La Rochelle

Bike

25km

Boat ride between Boyardville and La Rochelle (Be careful there are only 2 crossings per day!)

Begin the day with a short ride to Boyardville, where you can fish, shop or look at the oyster farms. You could even try to surf! From here, take a boat ride back to La Rochelle. This small cruise lets you admire the coastline without pedaling. Keep you eyes open to see Fort Boyard, visible on clear days.

DAY 9

Departure from La Rochelle

Departure from La Rochelle

You can decide to extend your stay or start your return travel.

Category A

You’ll enjoy staying in these clean and cozy 2-Star hotels that give you a pleasant rest after your day of biking. Breakfast is included when you spend the night in these friendly and family-run hotels.

* Example of the type of accommodation

Category B

You’ll get a good night’s sleep when you stay in these 3-star hotels or Bed and Breakfasts. All properties have been selected for their cleanliness, style and friendliness of the staff. A hearty breakfast is included!

We also provide you with the appropriate equipment for your children : baby seat, bike trailer or trailer bike depending on their age and size.

Electric bikes are also available for adults (+1m55).

Luggage

Our services include luggage transport in order to let you enjoy your trip comfortably and without stress :

We transport your luggage from one accommodation to the next using a private vehicle.

Your luggage is directly delivered in your accommodation before you arrive.

We provide a saddlebag for the things you shall need during the day.

Our word of advice : as we know from experience, we strongly recommend you to avoid wearing a backpack during your cycling trip.

GPS tracks

For this trip, we also provide the GPS tracks on demand in the .gpx format at no extra cost.

Travel documents

A cycling holiday is the best way to explore a region and discover its culture, landscapes and local traditions.

Your tour is self-guided to give you the freedom to ride at your own pace. You will be provided all the information you need to enjoy peacefully the itinerary and its interesting sites.
You will have in your travel documents :

a detailed map (A4 format) of the itinerary that we drew at the easiest scale to follow for a bicycle rider

a step-by-step description of the itinerary (bound A5 format) giving the direction to follow at each intersection

a tourist leaflet containing a brief presentation and useful practical information (opening time, price, contact) about the points of interest along the way

Example of a map and a step-by-step description

To get to departure point:

By plane: flight to Paris or Nantes or La Rochelle.

By train:TGV (fast trains) from Paris Montparnasse (direct or with a connection in Poitiers). The duration of the trip is estimated between 3h15 and
3h45. Inter-regional trains from Bordeaux and Nantes. To plan your trip, www.raileurope.com.

Parking

If you drive to La Rochelle, you can park your car in a secure car park located in the city center, near your accommodation. The weekly rate is 50€. All details will be given in your travel
documents.

Meeting time:

The first day is an arrival day without cycling. You arrive whenever you want depending on from where you come. Please note that rooms are usually available in the middle of the afternoon
depending on your accommodation. We thank you to advise us if you plan to arrive late.